What makes a bathroom look dated?

Several design elements can make a bathroom look dated, with outdated fixtures and color schemes being the most obvious culprits. Almond, pink, or mint green fixtures from the 1980s and 90s immediately age a space, as do brass or gold-toned faucets and hardware that were popular decades ago.

Tile choices and patterns are major dating factors. Small square tiles, especially in bold colors or busy patterns, scream outdated design. Cultured marble vanity tops with integrated sinks, popular in the 80s and 90s, also instantly date a bathroom. Similarly, laminate countertops and basic builder-grade vanities give away a bathroom's age.

Lighting and mirrors can also reveal a bathroom's vintage. Hollywood-style vanity lighting with exposed bulbs, recessed medicine cabinets, and large plate glass mirrors without frames were hallmarks of older design trends. Poor lighting in general makes any space feel dated and unwelcoming.

In Ottawa's older homes, you'll often see original 1970s-90s design elements that haven't been updated - think harvest gold or avocado fixtures, vinyl flooring, and wood-grain laminate vanities. These materials were durable but lack the clean, spa-like aesthetic that modern homeowners prefer.

Outdated storage solutions like pedestal sinks without counter space or basic medicine cabinets also make bathrooms feel behind the times. Modern bathrooms emphasize clean lines, ample storage, and neutral color palettes that won't look dated in 10-15 years.

For a bathroom refresh that will stand the test of time, consider updating fixtures to white or neutral tones, replacing dated tile with larger format options, and improving lighting. For a complete transformation of your dated bathroom, Ottawa Bathrooms can help create a timeless design that adds value to your home.

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Ottawa Bathrooms connects you with vetted, licensed renovation contractors from the Ottawa Construction Network:

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